The logging mechanization process in Brazil means, most of the time, the use of adapted or imported machines from countries where the operators have different anthropometric characteristics. The objective of this work was the cab evaluation of four forwarders and two skidders, considering the position of commands and instruments and the operator visual area, based on the anthropometrics characteristics of a sample of Brazilians operators. The following machines were studied: forwarders Timberjack models 1210B and 1710D, Valmet 890.2 and Volvo A25C, and also the skidders Caterpillar 545 and Tigercat 630 B. The command position was determined in three dimensions (x, y and z), considering the operator's seat reference point as the origin. A qualitative evaluation with the operators was also carried out, showing their satisfaction with several ergonomic factors related with the forest machines. The operator anthropometric evaluation was performed using a special chair developed by the Fundacentro, resulting in areas of maximum and excellent access of command position. The machine presenting the best command positions, according to the biotype of the operator sample, was the forwarder Valmet 890.2, followed by the skidder Caterpillar 545, being the only tractors showing more than half of commands well positioned, 66.7% and 54.5% respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that, in terms of command position, the ergonomic design of these machines was not very favorable to the set of analyzed Brazilians operators.
Anthropometry; ergonomy; forest tractors; harvesting
